About This Species
The Dunlin is a compact, energetic shorebird most often found probing wet sand and mudflats along coastlines, estuaries, and tidal marshes. In winter, it wears soft gray and white plumage that blends beautifully with coastal environments, while its slightly down-curved bill is perfectly shaped for feeding just beneath the surface. Constantly on the move, Dunlins are a familiar and lively presence on winter beaches.
Fun Facts
- Busy feeders: Dunlins are constantly in motion, rapidly probing mudflats and shallow water with their bills, searching for small invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans.
- Seasonal makeover: In breeding plumage, Dunlins sport a striking black belly patch and rusty-red back, but in winter they transform to subtle gray and white tones that blend with coastal habitats.
- Flock flyers: Often seen in large, tightly coordinated flocks that wheel and turn in unison over beaches and mudflats, creating mesmerizing aerial displays.
- Long-distance migrants: These small shorebirds make incredible journeys between Arctic breeding grounds and temperate or tropical wintering areas, sometimes traveling thousands of miles.
- Cold-weather hardy: Well-adapted to harsh coastal conditions, Dunlins can be found feeding on freezing beaches and windswept mudflats throughout the winter months.
